Sunday, June 29, 2014

Pearls, Pearls, Pearls - hosted by MiShel Designs

Hi Y'all,

Welcome to Pearls, Pearls, Pearls! blog hop hosted by Shel of MiShel Designs blog. Shel has a true love for pearls whether they are natural or glass. So she thought she would have a blog hop showcasing, you got it, Pearls! If you would like to find out some great tips on the care of pearls go here.

I too love pearls natural and glass. I wish my stash had more natural pearls, but I also love the look of glass pearls, which I have tons.

Would you like to see what I created for this blog hop? Of course you do, so lets get with it, shall we.

I have never knotted a necklace before and I like the look of knots between pearls. I had bought these white freshwater pearls at a Gem and Mineral show here in Montgomery, AL back in November 2013. I thought the color was gorgeous and the price was with in my budget. The only thing I did not realize until I got home is that they were large hole pearls. Oh well not a problem I could always string them on cord or leather. So that is what I did. I had some black 2 mm cord in my stash and some lampwork glass beads made by Sabine Detrich, she was my second Bead Soup partner in 2012. As you can see there is a little bit of space between the knots, pearls, and the glass beads, but I think I did well for the first time tying knots.

I had enough to make a bracelet. I did better at the knot tying in the bracelet.

Earrings. One day I will get the lengths the same in a pair of earrings.

I made a trip to Hunstville, AL back in April of 2013 and while I was there I visited a unique bead store called Mary Bead Store. I bought a lot of different gem stones and these peacock freshwater pearls. At the Gem and Mineral show I bought these Blue Lace Agate spears. When I was looking through my stash for something to pair with the pearls the agate spears seemed to be the best match. What do you think? I separated the pearls and agate spears with 3 mm jet bicones. The jet bicones look like knots between the pearls and agate. They are all strung on flex wire, with a lobster claw clasp.

I had enough pearls and bicones to make a matching bracelet. I tried the agate spears, but they did not look right in the bracelet. I really love the color of these pearls.

Last but not least an necklace out of glass pearls.

Scrumptious Scallops designed by Carolyn Cave, the tutorial for this necklace was published in the June 2014 Bead and Button magazine. When I saw this one I thought I had to make it for the Pearls challenge. It looks difficult, but it is really rather simple and had it done in a matter of hours. The hardest part was deciding on what colors I wanted to use.

Well that is it for me on this blog hop. If you would like to see more go on over to Shel's blog and after reading and viewing what Shel has created, click on the links to the other blogs participating in this hop.

Thank you so much Shel for coming up with this wonderful idea to create with and show off Pearl, Pearl. Pearls!!!!!!! I had a lot of fun creating.

20 comments:

Gorgeous jewelry. Therese. The first set is my absolute favorite. I love how the lampwork beads alternate with the pearls and that combo seems to make both beads look warm and rich, Brilliant pairing. Your bead knotting looks great! Not like a first timer at all1

That`s funny, Therese...somehow I was just thinking of those lampwork beads I once sent to you. I very much love the combo of these shiny pearls and my beads. Again, you did a wonderful job pairing ingredients from a lovely stash. And I am now not talking about my lampwork... Your jewelry looks very elegant.Wishing you a great time with more challenges like this one.Sabine Dittrich

Holy moly what a feast if eye candy here Therese! I live it all! The mix with the lampworks, those gorgeous peacock pearls. Just so gorgeous! And that last necklace what a sow stopper! Easy? You make bead work look easy my friend - but most if all beautiful.

Therese - thanks so much for joining in the pearls fun today!! Your designs are so pretty! The knotting on your first one is just fine, so don't you worry - larger beads and pearls look better (in my opinion) with some space anyway. Makes them look a bit more fun. Those lampwork beads are just amazing. I do so love your pearl and agate slice necklace and bracelet - right up my alley that one is with it's colors and style! And this last one here, the Carolyn Cave pattern one, oh my - that is just gorgeous!! I think you picked the absolute perfect colors for it, too. LOVE it!! Oh - and for knotting on leather or larger cord, I think Nina Cooper over at Nina Designs has a tutorial for that - I believe if you click on my 'pearls' page across the top of my blog and scroll down to the bottom of it, you'll find that link and several other links to knotting tutorials and videos - so go have some fun!! :-)

Gorgeous pieces !!! If I can, I wear them all at once... LOL But honesty, you are so talented. I never make knotted pearls. See your necklace made me want to try knotting. Oh well.. so many things to try and too little time. :-)

It is wonderful to see someone branch out with a new technique...and love your pearls and lamp work on the knotted leather! Gorgeous combo.But that last necklace is a stunner...love your color choice for it...so very elegant and vintage.

Large hole pearls knotted on leather cord...now that is the way you make modern pearl jewelry! Great choice to make fresh and current jewelry with pearls. Love it! All three sets of necklaces and bracelets are wonderful.

Oh lawdy! These designs rock. First off, large holed pearls really!? That's awesome and so is your design. I like how you paired the pearls with the lampwork. It's such a contrast in animal and man-made/ matte and glossy. Great contrast! And the glass pearl necklace is indeed scrumptious! I bet it looks fantastic on with it's dainty scallops.

About Me

Hello, my name is Therese and I live in the great state of Alabama. I love to make jewelry in my spare time. I started making jewelry in 2005. I was looking through a beading magazine and saw a necklace that I fell in love with and just had to make, so I did, and I have been hooked ever since. Along with jewelry making I crochet, paint mostly on glass items, make clothes, quilt, counted cross stitch, and a few other crafts. I'm a mother of one, a handsome young man that is all grown up and on his own.